tmroper3451160's Passions

tmroper3451160's Bio

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
True to size

This is my third pair of these shorts, and the second pair with the newer plastic buckle. The plastic is MUCH better, as the metal on the older model is sharper and corrodes over time. The large is just right for my 34-35in waist, and the adjustment strap works very well for when it fluctuates. The material is not too heavy and not too light but just right. And I guess it stretches, but it's not something I notice, it just seems pretty normal. For such long shorts, they also look very good and not clownish like a lot of shorts this long. They look great with everything from a t-shirt to a long-sleeve button down shirt.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Weather's not cold enough yet to test the warmth of the jacket. So this is just to say that I'm 5'9", 170lbs, and this jacket in a Medium could not be a more perfect fit. I tend to buy MH clothes because they usually fit me better than other brands (and for other reasons too, though), but this is even better than usual.

Ive taken these out a few times now, in both dry and muddy conditions. I felt the reduced support (compared to my Solomons) afterward in my feet and ankles, but know thats to be expected, and worth the period of adjustment. These things are so much lighter, yet grip so much more. I noticed it most going downhill, suddenly not having to worry much at all about slipping and sliding. A downside, though, of the grippy sole pattern is it does get caked with mud, adding to the weight, lessening the traction, and making for some cleanup time. Overall, coming from the rather clunkier Solomons, these are exactly what I was looking for.

I needed a replacement for my Castelli Teseo Jacket, which flapped around too much in the wind/during descents. I mean, the noise alone it was maddening. The Velo jacket is much better. A softer fabric, that also seems to breath a little better than the Teseo. Maybe it's not as waterproof, but I'll take the tradeoff. For me, I wish the cut were a little slimer, but other than that, it's perfect for what it tries to be.

Wore it jogging a couple of times in about 50F weather. Perfect weight. Ultra-comfortable. However, I've been snipping loose threads off, and have my doubts now about how well it will hold up. So it's basically the sewing that gets three stars. Otherwise, it'd be a five.